Havana, Cuba | December 19, 2024 — Havana witnessed a remarkable milestone in cultural diplomacy with the successful launch of an Arabic language teaching initiative led by Mr. Darwish S. Ahmed Al Shebani, President of the Green Zone Foundation (GZF). The initiative, introduced on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, marked a significant step toward strengthening cultural and linguistic ties between Cuba, Latin America, and the Arab world.
The event, held at the Arab Union of Cuba (UAC), was attended by notable dignitaries and stakeholders from both Cuba and Qatar. Mr. Al Shebani, a prominent advocate for cultural diplomacy, emphasized the profound impact of the Arabic language on global cultural heritage. With approximately 400 million speakers worldwide, Arabic serves as a vital bridge between civilizations.
World Arabic Language Day, celebrated every December 18, commemorates the United Nations’ recognition of Arabic as an official language day. This year’s celebration in Havana provided an ideal platform to promote Arabic language learning as a means of fostering deeper connections between Latin America and the Arab world.
During his visit, Mr. Al Shebani engaged in extensive discussions with Cuban officials to explore avenues for expanding Arabic-Spanish linguistic and cultural exchange programs. He was accompanied by Omeyma Shiakh-Eldin, Latin American coordinator for GZF, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
A key highlight of the initiative was the signing of agreements between GZF and Cuban institutions, including the Arab Union of Cuba and the Ministry of Education’s International Relations Directorate. In his meetings with Moraima Orozco Delgado, General Director of Management and Strategic Directions, and Yaimé Proveyer, President of the UAC, Mr. Al Shebani underscored the importance of introducing Arabic language education, particularly for younger generations.